Emergency Services Create Combined Radio Channel
Friday, December 14, 2012 @ 12:59 PM
Prince George, B.C.- Emergency Services in Prince George have a history of co-operation when called to a major incident, but now they have a tool that should help their communications during such an event.
Several agencies; police, ambulance, fire, the Prince George Airport, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement, and the Regional District (Pineview Volunteer Fire Department) have set up a single radio channel where, in the event of a major incident, commanders of the various agencies can communicate with each other and be on top of the situation before directing their respective members on actions that are to be taken.
It is called the “Combined Events Radio System” and is a dedicated radio channel that can be accessed on the communication equipment already used by key first responders and public safety officials.
The new system means decision makers from the various agencies will be in direct communication with each other. This new dedicated channel is expect to improve operations between agencies responding to an event, make it safer for emergency responders working on the scene, and mitigate potential life threatening situations for those first responders.
To remedy the lack of ability to communicate among disciplines, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) and the Prince George Fire / Rescue Service (PGFR), have worked cooperatively with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, to develop a multi-agency solution. This solution establishes a dedicated radio channel that is accessible on communication equipment used by key first responders and public safety officials. This is known as the Combined Events Radio System.
The channel will be used by those who make the decisions for their respective agencies. It means all commanders will be aware of directions being given or difficult decisions that are being made, in real time. Information will then be passed on to all members of the agencies via their respective, already established, radio channels.
“The RCMP and our partners are constantly striving to improve communications at serious incidents and major events” says S/Sgt. Brad Anderson, in charge of Operations at the Prince George RCMP. “Obtaining information even seconds sooner, could impact a decision and change the outcome of an event. We are looking forward to the benefits of this Combined Channel.”
It is hoped this new channel will save seconds, maybe even minutes at a critical incident and may prevent injuries to first responders or victims.
Comments
I would assume that ambulances for PG will continue to be dispatched from Kamloops.
It’s about time there was a co-op channel for Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, S&R, Airport, VFD’s). I hope this channel will be “recorded” so if there is a screw up the error can be found post mortem.
Hey Mooseknuckle, that’s pretty ignorant to post slanderous crap like that. This article is showing a monumental development in interagency functioning. Way to try and put the brakes on an awesome advancement like this.
and what is the freq.?
Mooseheart, please keep yer axe in the shed where you can grind it all you want.
This is an exceptional move forward as is the helicopter program for the interior.
And,since you raised it, I for one am very thankful for the dedication and hard work that the Pineview and other volunteer fire and rescue personnel perform for us folks that can’t.
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